Council approves more spending to pay law firm

Appropriation is extended as negotiation stalemate continues between the city and two unions.

The City Council set aside another $50,000 last week to continue to pay a law firm to represent Burbank in ongoing labor negotiations between the city and two bargaining groups — the recently formed Burbank City Attorneys Assn. and the Burbank Management Assn.

The attorneys union — formed in February — represents 10 city attorneys and a paralegal.

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Last month, a fact-finding panel of three jurists heard arguments from the city and the city attorneys and is slated to make a settlement recommendation early next month. A public hearing will follow, after which the city can still impose its final offer, according to the union.

A fact-finding panel has not yet been scheduled between the city and the management union, according to Betsy Dolan, interim management services director. The union, which represents roughly 175 employees, and the city have been at an impasse since July.